Funds to help support Caleb Schmitz & family

Hi, my name is Liz Gordon and I am fundraising for my brother-in-law Caleb Schmitz, my sister Adrienne, and their 4 children-Cole, Brady, Donnelly, & Cora. My hope is that this GoFundMe will help minimize the financial stress as they search for the best possible care for Caleb.

Here is the latest summary from my sister Adrienne in their journey so far! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Any help is appreciated.

October 23, 2023 Caleb was officially diagnosed with Neuroendocrine cancer. This journey started with a visit to the ER on 10/8 with chest and shoulder pain. Prior to this pain Caleb had no symptoms other than diarrhea. Nothing was found in the ER and on 10/9 Caleb had a follow up with his family Dr, who ordered additional testing including an ultrasound on 10/13. 10/16 he had an abdominal CT, followed by a liver biopsy, that confirmed a grade 3 neuroendocrine cancer with a Ki-67 score of 50. Our cancer journey started officially 10/23/23.

This cancer is a very rare cancer (12k diagnoses/year) that many people don't know about, nor do many oncologists have experience in treating. Based on current research this is not a lifestyle cancer, nor is it believed to be hereditary with some exceptions. This is not the pancreatic or liver cancers you hear about (Alex Trebeck, Patrick Swayze, etc.) We encourage you to visit www.netcancerawareness.org and to follow them on Facebook.

Earlier this week on 10/30 we met with a medical oncologist and Caleb had a PET scan at Nebraska Medical Center (NMC). Our meeting with the medical oncologist was less than ideal, as unfortunately she didn't have all the scans she needed. (Not NMC's fault). It wasn't all for not, as he had a PET scan. Keep in mind at this time we'd yet to meet with ANYONE in DSM Oncology. We obviously aren't waiting around for them!

10/31 NMC called with PET scan results that showed neuroendocrine tumors (NETS) in the pancreas, liver, spleen, peritoneum, retroperitoneum and a few small bone lesions. The reading of the PET scan showed what appeared to be a 1cm in diameter growth to multiple tumors in the liver since his original scan on 10/16. The Dr's at NMC suggested another biopsy as DSM only took samples from one area of the liver. If the KI-67 score is greater than 55%, NMC stated the treatment approach is completely different. Therefore, the need for more biopsies.

11/2 we headed to NMC and stayed the night in Omaha in prep for a long day of tests on 11/3. We started the day with additional biopsies, lab work, an MRI of the abdomen and a meeting with the surgical oncologist at NMC. The MRI results confirmed well-differentiated, non-functioning NET tumors. 30+ tumors in the liver, one in the pancreatic tail and splenic hilum, peritoneum, & duodenum. We were hoping the surgical oncologist would suggest surgery; however, he didn't feel that would be the best option for Caleb. Instead, he suggested once we confirm the "official" KI-67 score back (he believes will be 55+), a multi-disciplinary team will review Caleb's case and suggest a path forward. This treatment will more than likely be immediate chemotherapy, which often times is much different chemo than the typical chemo many people have become accustomed to. We will await an appointment with medical oncology at NMC the week of 11/6 to discuss our treatment approach.

We thank everyone for your support thus far. Caleb and I trying to comprehend everything as it's been a whirlwind this last month. A dear friend took our girls to their Kansas City end of year soccer tournament, which is a blessing as Caleb and I digest this information and adjust to our new normal.

I did have the chance to connect with two individuals with NET cancer experience, that are instrumental members of the Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network and support group. These two individuals provided much insight as to the best places and specific Dr's to seek treatment from. This has been a blessing. As of now, we have things in motion not only with NEM, the University of Iowa, an appointment with MD Anderson in Houston,TX on 12/8. On 11/6 I plan to reach out to the University of Miami Health to get an appointment. The Dr in Miami comes as a referral from the NET Awareness Network as he is known as a pioneer in the treatment of individuals with high grade NET (KI-67 score 55+). Keep your fingers crossed we get in quickly.